Pediatrics – Child Protection Team

For Medical Professionals

Refer a Patient

Massachusetts law requires that a mandated reporter file a report of child abuse (PDF file on http://www.mass.gov) to the Department of Children and Families anytime there is reasonable cause to believe that a child is suffering abuse and/or neglect. This report is known as a 51A report (referring to Chapter 119, Section 51A of the Massachusetts General Laws). The Child Protection Team is available for a phone consultation to any Boston Medical Center staff member 24/7 to help with these difficult cases. Please call the page operator at 617.638.8000 to contact CPT.

Mandated reporters: under the law include a wide range of medical, social service and educational personnel including, among others, “any physician, medical intern, hospital personnel engaged in the examination, care or treatment of persons, medical examiner, psychologist, emergency medical technician, dentist, nurse, chiropractor, podiatrist, optometrist…”

• All 51A reports must be made initially with a phone call to DCF (1.800.792.5200) and then followed up with the written report.
  
  
• The written 51A reports should be mailed or faxed to DCF within 24 hours of the telephone report.
  
  
• If you are making a report from within BMC, a copy of every 51A filed at BMC should be faxed to The Child Protection Team's confidential fax machine, at 617.414.3648.
  
  
• Download form (.doc):  51A Form to Report Child Abuse or Maltreatment
  
  
• DCF Regional and Area Office
  
  
• Support to End Exploitation Now (SEEN) Coalition (FAQ's and Guide to Responding to Exploited Youth)